Offa's Dyke damage: Insufficient evidence for charges

Police were called after excavation works appear to have taken place on the 1,200-year-old earthwork

Police say there is insufficient evidence to bring charges over damage to a large section of the Offa's Dyke ancient earthwork near Wrexham.

A stretch of the 1,200-year-old dyke, on privately owned land between Chirk and Llangollen, was found flattened in August 2013.

A local man was later interviewed under caution over the incident.

But after a nine-month inquiry, North Wales Police said no further action will be taken.

A police spokesman said: "As a result of the investigation there was insufficient evidence to prove any criminal offence and the matter is no longer being investigated by North Wales Police."

The incident was referred to the police by the Welsh government's historic environment service Cadw.

The Offa's Dyke Association said they were "horrified" at the damage.

The linear earthwork stretching 177 miles (285 km) is a protected ancient monument built in the 8th Century as a boundary between King Offa's domain and Wales.

It is said to be traceable along 80 miles (130 km) from the Wye Valley to Wrexham.

The area attracts up to 15,000 visitors a week during the summer, many of them walkers from all over Europe.